Lucas Patelles, owner of Tropical Gardens, remembers these words of wisdom from his father: “Take care of your business and your business will take care of you.” Loving your work and taking care of those you serve have been the ingredients of this family owned and operated successful enterprise for the past 25 years.
“I’ve lived in Fayetteville since I was five years old, says Patelles,” who purchased the full service florist from his mother ten years ago. “It made perfect sense to leave our previous location in Riverdale [on Ga. Highway 85 next to Chick-fil-a] and move to Fayette County. This is where the majority of our customers reside.”
Finding the perfect structure and location for Tropical Gardens was not an easy task until the charming, restored 1912 home on South Jeff Davis was discovered. Standing adjacent to pecan trees, it has the original hardwood floors, 12-foot ceilings, a full front porch, and plenty of natural light is allowed to flow through the tall windows. All this lends itself to an atmosphere which compliments the floral designs on display and the services provided by Tropical Gardens.
“We do everything, not just flowers! We are a one-stop wedding shop, renting candelabras, columns, plants, antique gazebos, archways, garden arches, and colonnades. As a full service florist we also provide floral arrangements for funerals,” said Patelles. “We sell gift baskets, balloons, stuffed animals, and plants for the office, business, and home. We offer Christmas specials: centerpiece creations, garland, poinsettias, and we sell Christmas trees. Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day generates the highest sales.
“Weddings are our specialty. We usually have the pleasure of meeting the bride six months to one year before the wedding day and we go all out to take care of her.ÊThe flowers and arrangements are a big part of the ceremony and reception, helping to make it a beautiful, joyous occasion. Photos are forever and we book brides with their photos in mind. There is a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment in the planning and preparation leading to the exciting final product. It gives us a wonderful feeling when compliments and gratitude are expressed by the bride and groom, and their families. It’s our goal to make them happy. With more than 100 weddings booked per year our number one source of customers are referrals,” Patelles said.
A talent for creating the most gorgeous, unusual and unique arrangements and bouquets has become the trademark of Tropical Gardens. Using their artistic ability and expert use of color, the flowers are different, not the ordinary varieties. The floral design and arrangements are the work of an artist.
Patelles grew up helping his parents by unloading the trucks, loading plants, buying and selling. He’s been involved in the business for as long as he can remember learning early on how to greet and treat the customers.
Loving people and dealing with the public comes natural for the Patelles family. “There’s a feeling of accomplishment owning your own business,” said Patelles. “I learned from my parents that a good name is important and I’ve tried to keep our name good on a personal and professional level.”
Patelles is a family man, who loves spending time with his wife, Raelyn, and their two children. Raelyn is also actively involved in managing the business. Patelles is president of the homeowners association in his Starr’s Mill neighborhood helping to make it a better place. He takes long walks at night to stay in shape. One of Patelles’ principles to live by is to give people the benefit of the doubt and go the extra mile for his friends, customers, and neighbors.
Next time you need to book your daughter’s wedding, buy roses for your sweetie, or for any other occasion that calls for flowers, visit Tropical Gardens at the new Fayetteville location: 180 South Jeff Davis Drive (near the corner of Ga. Highway 54 and S. Jeff Davis across from Jordan Salvage) or call 770-716-7480. Lucas and Raelyn Patelles have an exuberance and zest for life that’s catching. Come in and enjoy the experience; the flowers are simply gorgeous.
